In the vast landscapes of southwestern Morocco, an intriguing phenomenon attracts the attention of tourists and locals alike: goats roosting in trees.
This picturesque scene, which seems straight out of a fairy tale, is especially associated with argan trees (Argania spinosa), whose fruits are highly valued.
The Show of the Goats in the TreesGoats in trees are a common sight in the Souss-Massa-Drâa region, where argans grow in abundance. During the fruiting season, which occurs mainly in June, goats climb tree branches in search of small green fruits. These fruits, although inedible to humans, are a valuable source of argan oil, which is widely used in cooking and the cosmetic industry.
Why Do Goats Do This?
The reasons why goats venture high into the trees are multifaceted:
- Survival Instinct - Goats are adaptable and intelligent creatures. When pastures are dry or scarce, they look for alternatives to feed themselves. Argan fruits offer a source of nutrients and hydration.
- Taste Attraction - Surprisingly, goats seem to love the taste of argan fruit. They chew the fruits enthusiastically, even if they cannot digest them completely.
- Tourist Attraction - Local farmers realized the tourist potential of this natural spectacle. Visitors from around the world come to photograph the goats in the trees, and farmers charge a fee to allow access to their fields.
the practice of allowing goats to climb trees is not without controversy. Some experts express concern about the animals' welfare. Goats can spend hours under the scorching sun without access to water or shade.
Therefore, authorities say they're trying to ensure that goats are treated with care and respect.
The goats in the trees of Morocco are a fascinating example of the interaction between nature, local culture and tourism.
The two photos presented here were taken in 2019, in Morocco, while travelling from Marrakech to Essauira.
In the photo on the top right, a group of goats remain calmly on the branches of the tree, watching statically as vehicles and people pass by.
In the image shown below left, specifically for this story, the human elements were removed. The original image, without this type of manipulation, can be seen on this website.
